Prettyisprettydoes is dedicated to all things that make you look and feel pretty.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...and those of us holding the mascara wand.

After two decades of covering the beauty industry, I've come to learn what makes it so alluring. Finding the perfect shade of makeup to match your skin tone, adding a swipe of eyeliner to give your tired eyes a lift, discovering an innovative new product line, or indulging in a totally luxurious spa treatment. My experiences have been documented in magazines, newspapers and websites worldwide. I've tested newly formulated products in the lab, explored hair removal options, shopped for lipstick, added shine to my hair and succumbed to massage marathons--all in the name of beauty. I've written press releases, hosted makeover events and co-authored a Do-It-Yourself Beauty book (Alloy). On this blog, I write about products and services that I come across every day as well as those that have been provided by publicists or the companies that make them. Either way, I write what I think. I hope to share some of my insights--and bring you the latest, greatest beauty news right here. Join me in the quest to find all things pretty.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Did you know, you should replace your mascara every three months? And your foundation, every six? Beauty products do have a shelf life, and we'll show you what to toss and when. Luckily, since new beauty innovations pop up just as fast, if it's time to toss out some of those antique products and make room for some new items, Beauty and Style expert Susan Redstone has some of the newest replacments to refresh your beauty supply for the new year.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Beyonce stepped out last night for the first time since giving birth and was sporting bright blue nails – in honor of her daughter, Blue Ivy. This week, many of us in New York were feeling blue too, as we celebrated the Giant's Superbowl victory (go big blue!) No matter what your reason for liking this playful hue, there are plenty of blue nail polish options out there to choose from.

Baker Street, a bright cobalt blue from Nail's Inc, was all over the London catwalks during the spring/summer shows ($9.50 each. Available March 1st at Sephora and on Sephora.com).

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

When's the last time you and your significant other held hands? How often do you hug your kids? At a glamorous cocktail party held on the 61st floor of the Empire State Building, the team at Nivea--along with Dr. Drew Pinsky--shared the fact that we're losing touch with each other! People just don't touch as much as they should anymore and, in fact, the term "PDA" more commonly refers to a personal digital assistant rather than public display of affection.

Nivea hopes to change all that with its Nivea Million Moments of Touch movement, designed to help us achieve smooth skin so we want to touch and be touched more. Rebecca Romeijn and Jerry O'Connell were named the celebrity ambassador couple for the brand and promise to touch each other more in 2012. The rest of us can join in the action too by entering the Nivea Touch contest on Facebook and promising to revive our power of touch. Winners will receive a date night on Nivea every night from now through the end of the year.

Getting smooth can be as simple as using Nivea touch of Renewal Lathering Body Scrub in the shower, Smoothing on Nivea Extended Moisture every morning and night, or slicking lips with Nivea A Kiss of Berry Swirl vitamin-enriched lip care with SPF 10. There are plenty of products for men too, like Nivea Maximum Hydration Moisturizing Lotion, guaranteed to smooth even the driest skin.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Remember how long the lines were at the Diane von Furstenberg sample sale after Sarah Jessica Parker wore her wedding dress in the Sex and the City movie? We don’t need any more proof that the designer’s silhouettes are worth the wait. Now you can have your shot at being a proud owner of a DVF original–without paying a price. Celebrity Makeup Artist, Mally Roncal, is giving away a Diane von Furstenberg dress to one lucky winner! All you have to do is follow Mally on Twitter (www.twitter.com/mallybeauty) and Re-Tweet whenever she sends a tweet out! The winner will be selected at random. For more info about Mally, go to www.mallyroncal.com.

About Me

Mom of Harrison (age 3) and Ava (age 2), married to Jacques Brooks, and long-time freelance writer. On this blog, I write about products and services that I come across every day as well as those that have been provided by publicists or the companies that make them. Either way, I write what I think. Enjoy!